Detroit Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez throws against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning in Detroit. Sanchez struck out 17 in eight innings in a 10-0 win.AP Photo

DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland was concerned about Anibal Sanchez a day after the 29-year-old couldn't get out of the fourth inning in his start last Saturday night.

Turns out, he had reason to worry.

Sanchez was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Sunday with a right shoulder strain, the team announced Monday. In his place, the team recalled outfielder Avisail Garcia from Triple-A Toledo.

The move comes two days after Sanchez -- who is in the first year of a five-year, $88 million contract -- gave up two runs on five hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings after missing his previous start due to stiffness in his right shoulder.

Sanchez, who is 6-5 with a 2.76 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings pitched, reportedly underwent an MRI on Sunday, which showed no structural damage. He is expected to be ready to return when he is eligible July 1 and will likely only miss two starts.

By adding Garcia, the Tigers will play at least the next few days with an extra position player and one less starting pitcher. It's the second Major League stint this season for Garcia, who filled in for outfielder Austin Jackson when he was on the 15-day disabled list.

The Tigers optioned Garcia to Toledo last Friday, but he's allowed to return before the 10-day period because the team placed Sanchez on the disabled list. He's batting .288 with 10 runs, two homers and 10 RBIs in 66 at-bat this season.

Leyland said the team will recall left-hander Jose Alvarez on Thursday and the team will make a corresponding move following Wednesday's game.